The most recent snowfall is the third storm in the last week, and forecasts called for a quick strike. Starting around noon, a thick blanket of snow fell in Dover and around the Seacoast, and was expected to continue through the afternoon and into the early evening.

More slick roads and poor driving conditions were exacerbated by the fact this inclement weather was scheduled to escalate during peak commuting time, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., though heavy snowfall began around 1 p.m.

Meteorologist Mike Kistner of the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said things would pick up in intensity throughout the day, with snow falling at a rate of one to two inches an hour.

“It's going to come down pretty good,” Kistner said of the afternoon forecast. “It's a quick hitter, but over that time frame it's probably going to drop about 6 inches of snow. It's not your classic coastal storm.”

Kistner said Tuesday's storm was expected to move out shortly after it formed, with snow tapering off by nighttime.

“This thing is coming all together this morning and it's really going to get its act together this afternoon,” Kistner said.

But don't expect a reprieve, at least not for another few days. Kistner said the region could see another one to three inches of snow today before the weather warms up toward the end of the week, with highs even reaching into the 50s.

Meanwhile, the city is continuing to do its best to keep up with the relentless winter weather. City Manager Mike Joyal said the budget for snow cleanup and removal is still in good shape despite the numerous storm systems so far this season.

“We're still not through the thick of things,” Joyal said. The city has budgeted $450,000 for snow removal, and Joyal said it was probably two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through that allocation at this point.

“This year's snow is ahead of last year. A lot will depend on what happens come March and the first part of April,” he said.

That budget includes everything from snow removal crews to sanding and salting of the roads. Joyal said snow is stockpiled in Maglaras Park, and joked that the city would soon be able to look at opening a ski resort at the site.

The city also declared a parking ban, which will go into effect at 1 a.m. on Friday and conclude at 6 a.m. The ban will allow Community Services crews to remove snow downtown.